Tower Hamlets Council confirms departure of chief executive

Tower Hamlets Council has announced that Martin Smith, its chief executive since 2007, is to leave the post.

According to reports, Mr Smith will walk away with a £500,000 pay-off after allegedly being forced out over a personality clash with council leader Lutfur Rahman.

In a statement issued by the council, which makes no mention of the reasons for his departure, Mr Smith said: “Tower Hamlets is an incredible place - the most vibrant, diverse and exciting part of London, and I have spent seven equally incredible and rewarding years working for the council. It has been a great privilege to have been Chief Executive.
 
"The council is fortunate to have the very best staff in the whole of local government – passionate about the borough and committed to delivering excellent public services.

"That’s why we have been consistently judged to be a high performing organisation and why we have such an unrivalled track record of improvement. It’s been a real privilege to work with so many talented and principled people.
 
"Tower Hamlets is also fortunate in having many councillors who work tirelessly and selflessly for the whole borough.

"I have enjoyed working with successive leaders of the council and members from across the political spectrum to develop, scrutinise and challenge policy and performance.
 
"When I joined Tower Hamlets in 2002 I told the interview panel that my motivation was to make a difference to the lives of residents. I hope I have been able to do that.

"I am particularly proud to leave the council with every service judged by the Audit Commission to be ‘performing strongly’ or ‘performing well’, with our partnership working described as exceptional, with staff morale at an all time high, and with the council’s finances in a strong position.
 
"I wish the council and staff continued success in the future.”
 
Council leader Councillor Lutfur Rahman, said: “Martin Smith has worked with great dedication, commitment and integrity during his time at Tower Hamlets. He has championed the Council’s core values of achieving results, valuing diversity, engaging with others, and learning effectively in all he has done.
 
"The communities of Tower Hamlets and future direction of the organisation now require a fresh approach to deliver the council's priorities around Housing, Education, Tackling Worklessness and Creating a Safe and Cleaner borough for everyone.

"We have therefore agreed that now would be an appropriate time for him to move on. I wish him well for the future.”